Sport
Five Teams In Transfer “Battle” With Birmingham City For Contract Of EFL Star, Who Will Succeed?
Birmingham City face five-team transfer battle for out of contract Wigan Athletic star
According to HITC Sport, Blues have an interest in signing Jones, who is on a short-term contract at their league rivals Wigan Athletic. They face competition from Championship sides Blackburn Rovers, Derby County and Mill wall to sign him, as well as Wigan , who will want to keep hold of their player.
HITC Sport say there are ‘no shortage of clubs’ interested in signing Jones, especially in the knowledge that he would be available on a free when his short-term deal expires. Birmingham’s League one rivals Blackpool are also reportedly interested, whilst the same outlet link Sheffield Wednesday with a move for him earlier this summer. Unnamed clubs from America, Austria and Asia are apparently keeping tabs on the situation.
The 29-year-old originally departed the DW Stadium this summer after his contract had expired, but with four of their wingers struck down with an injury, Wigan re-signed Jones on a short-term deal. Wigan’s decision to sign Jones was a last-minute decision, and he was all set to move abroad, but decided against the move at the 11th hour.
Speaking to Wigan Today last week about Jones’ return, manager Shaun Maloney said: I knew it would be a gamble physically, but I’m very appreciative of what he brings to the squad. I’m actually really surprised that he’s not moved up to a higher level, because of what he did for me last year.
“In my experience, he’s a brilliant boy and a really good player…so we’re very glad the situation unfolded as it did.
“Players like Jordan have the talent to beat players, and they either beat the man, or force the opposition to double up, which gives us a free man elsewhere.”
The most success the 19-time Northern Ireland international has had in his career is with Kilmarnock, having spent three years there as a player before returning on loan in the 2022/23 season. His other clubs include Sunderland, Rangers, St Mirren, Hartlepool United and Cambridge United having begun his career at Middlesbrough. In League One, Jones has played 55 games, getting 11 assists and six goals, and was part of the Wigan team that won the League One title in 2021/22.
